- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has plan to commence collection of toll from road users plying the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, while speaking in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary.
As contained in statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Umahi said a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is nearing completion and that users will have to pay a toll starting in December.
Providing updates on four major national projects—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor—Senator Umahi described them as transformative investments designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and deepen regional integration.
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Minister revealed that over 80 per cent of Section 1—spanning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and terminating at Eleko Junction—had been completed.
He also disclosed that work is progressing on Section 2, which covers 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.
“By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
“We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages.
“It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth.
“We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.
“Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom.
“The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact.” He said.
Commenting on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Minister explained its historic significance, noting that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago.
“The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life.” Umahi added
The Minister further commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and foresight, Senator Umahi, stressing that vision of Lagos-Calabar highway was divine.
“God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago.
“Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.” Umahi said.
He reaffirmed that the legacy projects are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking.